Interpret the slope and y-intercept of a linear function

Translate slope and intercept into context-based meaning.

Lesson 6

Concept

Slope is the change per unit input; y-intercept is the starting value when input is zero.

For C = 15x + 40 (cost after x rides), interpret 15 and 40.

In y = 6x + 20, 20 represents:

Rate per x

Starting amount

Final amount

x-value

In distance = 55t + 12, 55 means:

Initial distance

Speed per hour

Time at stop

Total hours

These steps are out of order — can you fix them?

1.Identify variable units

2.Match slope to rate

3.Match intercept to start value

4.Explain in context sentence

Why is context important when interpreting m and b?